Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was my first book by Lauren Wolk but it won't be my last. I read this to my 9 and 12 year olds and we all loved it, even my 9 year old who is usually more of an adventure story kind of guy. Complex characters, compassion and grit along with completely immersive descriptions of rustic life on a mountain in Maine during the Great Depression. If you liked My Side of the Mountain and Little House on the Prairie I highly recommend this one. Perfect for ages 9 and up.

The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✩✩

Calling all Jane Austen fans! The Jane Austen Society is bursting with facts, references to, and discussions of Jane Austen's novels as well as her life. Even if you are not an avid Austen reader, you will still love the charming story of how some mismatched characters from the town of Chawton, England (Jane Austen's home town) came together to form a society dedicated to preserving her legacy. Thank you to Aesop's Fable Book Store, St. Martin's Press and #NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Bright Side of Going Dark by Kelly Harms

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✰

Kelly Harms has done it again! I loved The Overdue Life of Amy Byler but had been avoiding this one a bit because I thought I would end up feeling guilty about my current screen time. Thankfully it was not at all guilt-inducing but was a story filled with heart and richly nuanced characters. Thank you to Kelly Harms, #TallPoppyWriters, Lake Union Publishing and #NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.